Every episode
66 conversations, newest first.
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The Host Takes the Guest Chair
Ashley Bryant interviews Willow
Ashley Bryant interviews Willow, the host of the Literary Fantasy Podcast. They discuss the impact of writing on personal growth, the challenges of navigating traditional versus indie publishing, and the appeal of dark romance.
35 min -
Why Quitting Is an Option and Why That Changes Everything
Brian Spielbauer
Author Brian Spielbauer shares his journey of writing, publishing, and balancing a career in college athletics with his passion for fantasy and horror novels, with insights on perseverance, self-publishing, and the importance of storytelling.
48 min -
A Priest, a Possessed Girl, and Spontaneous Combustions
Leon Blanda
Author Leon Blanda discusses his journey from stand-up comedy to writing horror novels, the inspiration behind his books, and his experiences with local legends and wildlife in Louisiana and Idaho.
42 min -
Why Human Audiobook Narration Still Beats AI
Jessie Elwyn
Jessie Elwyn shares her journey into audiobook narration, her favorite genres and tropes, what she has learned about the industry, and her thoughts on AI's impact on narrating, along with tips for aspiring narrators.
48 min -
The Indie Author Reality
Stevie Hosler
Stevie Hosler shares her journey as a multi-genre author, her creative process, and how she integrates her love for witchcraft and spirituality into her writing, with insights on indie publishing, author community, and balancing creativity with business.
54 min -
Author Panel: The Brutal Truth About Writing Characters You Love
Alana Dail, Bobby Nash, Chanel Spellman-Timmons, Chris Harrison, K.E. Poland, Parker A. Garner, and Stephanie Pass
Seven writers share their insights on writing processes, creative habits, and the challenges of the craft. They discuss how they manage ideas, the importance of reading, and the hobbies that inspire their storytelling.
1 hr 8 min -
Writer's Block Isn't the End: How to Keep Finding Your Next Idea
Wes Cambron
Wes Cambron shares his journey from screenwriting to urban fantasy author, discussing his unhinged characters, book series, and the wild stories behind his writing process.
46 min -
Writing Through Pain, AI, and the Messy Realities of Being an Author
Andrew Butters
Andrew Butters shares his journey as an author, discusses his diverse books, and offers insights into writing, publishing, and the impact of AI on art and literature.
1 hr 5 min -
A Sorcerer, a City, and the Search for Identity
Joe Weinberg
Joe Weinberg talks about writing urban fantasy, the importance of diverse mythologies, neurodivergence in storytelling, and the therapeutic power of writing.
50 min -
Real Life Romance, a Little Revenge, and Spicy Books
Emelle Gill
Emelle Gill shares her journey as an indie author, from writing and publishing to navigating the industry and building a supportive community.
31 min -
The Faceless Voice Behind Spicy Romance
Fallen Scynclair
Fallen Scynclair shares his journey into voice narration, the challenges of maintaining anonymity, and how he balances perfectionism, technical setup, and the emotional depth of his characters.
59 min -
The Hidden Work Behind Audiobooks
Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland shares her journey into audiobook production, her approach to narrators, and insights into the industry, emphasizing quality, integrity, and the importance of fair pay.
49 min -
A Romance Born From Newsroom Burnout
Donna Bollen
Donna Bollen shares her journey from journalism to authorship, discussing her debut novel, her writing process, character inspirations, and the emotional power of her story.
52 min -
When Characters Demand the Story, Everything Changes
L.N. Passmore
L.N. Passmore shares her journey of writing her series, blending Scottish mythology, science, and her personal experiences with nature and spirituality.
45 min -
From Autopsies to Dark Humor
Marlene Buchanan
Marlene Ratledge Buchanan shares her journey from law enforcement to writing, her insights into forensic science, and her humorous take on life's dark moments.
53 min -
Brain Surgery Survivor Turned Medical Gaslighting Into a Romance Novel
C.M. Stewart
C.M. Stewart shares her journey through chronic illness and brain surgery, and how those experiences shaped her novel. She discusses invisible illnesses, healthcare system challenges, and the importance of advocacy and support systems.
42 min -
The Apocalypse Fantasy That Starts With Orcs Attacking Atlanta
Mikel Melwasul
Author Mikel Melwasul shares insights into his fantasy series, the creative process with his co-author, and how he balances writing, character development, and marketing while exploring magic, apocalypse, and complex characters.
49 min -
Dark Romance Green Flags Nobody Talks About
Alana Dail
Explore the nuances of dark romance, favorite books, and the complexities of writing and reading sensitive content. Alana Dail shares insights on tropes, triggers, and her writing journey.
41 min -
Why This English Teacher Wrote a Fantasy Book About Stories Coming Alive
Timothy Bonner
Timothy Bonner shares his journey as a writer, the unique structure of his novel, and the creative process behind his work, with themes of storytelling, character development, and the challenges of self-publishing.
57 min -
Writing Through Trauma: Indie Publishing, Romance, Mystery, and Starting Over
Sloan Raleigh
Sloan Raleigh shares her journey as an indie author, the challenges of AI-generated covers, mental health themes, and her writing process in a candid conversation about creativity and authenticity.
32 min -
She Quit Her Job, Self-Published a Trilogy, and Took Control Back
Belle Campbell
Belle Campbell shares her journey as an indie author, world-building insights, her upcoming fantasy and vampire series, her creative process, unique magic systems, and tips for aspiring writers.
41 min -
How a Small Bookstore Builds Community
Tyann of It's a Love Story Bookstore
Tyann from It's a Love Story bookstore shares how her shop fosters community, supports indie authors, and creates events that bring joy to book lovers, with insights on book marketing and cover design trends.
40 min -
A Narrator's Insights Into the Industry and Tips for Aspiring Narrators
Sara B.
Sara shares her journey into audiobook narration, her favorite genres, how she connects with authors, and her insights on the industry and storytelling.
44 min -
The Thriller That Uses a Murder Mystery to Expose Generational Harm
Sarah Blanchard
Author Sarah Blanchard shares her journey from journalism to writing impactful fiction that tackles tough social issues, and how research, personal experience, and a love of books influence her storytelling.
56 min -
How Blackwater Blends Spice, Mermaids, Dragons, and Tears
Emily Blakeney
Emily Blakeney discusses her debut dark pirate fantasy novel, exploring her creative process, character development, and insights into writing and publishing in the fantasy genre.
41 min -
How a Debut Novel Won an Award and Launched a Five-Book Dark Series
Jenny Allen
Author Jenny Allen shares her journey of writing across genres, her creative process, and how her work intertwines with mental health advocacy.
39 min -
Writing Fear, Love, and Truth
Maya Gawonii
Author Maya Gawonii discusses her latest book, her writing journey, the importance of cultural representation, and how she balances authenticity with storytelling.
43 min -
Treat Writing Like a Job, Not a Creative Mood
Bobby Nash
Bobby Nash shares his journey from comic book artist to prolific author, discussing the creative process, the impact of AI on art, and tips for aspiring writers and artists.
1 hr 0 min -
The Feminine Rage Fantasy That Feels Like Adult Percy Jackson
Lindsey Richardson
Lindsey Richardson discusses her dark fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology, and shares insights into her writing process, character creation, and the indie author community.
37 min -
How a Dark Romance Novella Turns Smut Into a Journey of Mental Health and Desire
Lena Voss
Author Lena Voss discusses her novella, exploring dark romance, character dynamics, and the creative process, along with the impact of personal experience on her storytelling.
54 min -
Why Trying to Ban Antidepressants Could Spark a Mental Health Crisis
Stephanie of Black Rose Book Store
A candid conversation with Stephanie from Black Rose Book Store about mental health, coping strategies, the therapeutic power of reading, the dream of opening a gothic bookstore, and the importance of safe spaces.
45 min -
How an Author Turned Dark Romance Into a Healing Journey From Trauma
Luisa Perez
Luisa Perez discusses her journey as a dark romance author, her creative process, and how her personal experiences influence her writing, with insights into dark romance themes and mental health awareness.
44 min -
The Shadow Wielding Hero Who Might Be the Villain in Her Own Story
Shelby Oval
Shelby Oval talks about her fantasy series, which follows Laura, a strong shadow wielder who begins to suspect she may be on the wrong side of the conflict.
39 min -
The Dark Romance With Religious Trauma and Gray Morality
MT Sommer
Author M.T. Sommer discusses her debut dark romance novel, exploring religious trauma, found family, and character development, along with her writing process and the importance of representation in fiction.
1 hr 5 min -
How a Master's Thesis Turned Into a Popular Series With Hidden Connections
Ashley Skolrud
Ashley Skolrud shares her journey through writing diverse genres, from fairy tale retellings to superhero stories, and how she balances creative passions with marketing.
41 min -
Writing Letters Can Help Chronic Illness Victims Feel Less Alone
Susan Pogorzelski
Author Susan Pogorzelski shares her personal journey with Lyme disease, her writing career, and her mission to raise awareness through her books and nonprofit.
44 min -
The Dark Love Story Connecting Mythology, Trauma, and Reincarnation
Elijah Stepanovich
Elijah Stepanovich discusses his dark romantasy series, its mythological inspirations, his writing process, and the support system behind his work.
35 min -
How Writing a Fantasy Novel Changed My Life After 14 Years in the Air Force
D.L. Jennings
Willow and D.L. Jennings explore the world of fantasy writing. D.L. shares his journey from military life to becoming an author, his creative process, handling criticism, and the joy of connecting with readers.
55 min -
The Surprising Power of Outlining: How I Wrote 75K Words in 30 Days
Dakoda Mazzii
Dakoda Mazzii discusses her journey as an indie author, her creative process, and writing fantasy romance with intense world-building and character development.
51 min -
How a Gothic Bookstore in a Small Town Is Changing the Book World
Stephanie of Black Rose Bookshop
Stephanie from Black Rose Bookshop shares her Gothic-themed bookstore's journey, emphasizing support for indie authors, community engagement, and book events like silent book clubs and blind date book releases.
43 min -
The Surprising Connection Between Imaginary Friends and Creativity in Writers
Jen Saviano
Author Jen Saviano shares her journey, her writing process, and her series inspired by biker culture, mental health, and the power of storytelling.
1 hr 1 min -
The Power of Pain: How Personal Loss Inspired a Series of Epic Fantasy Books
David Trotter
Indie author David Trotter discusses his creative process, writing fantasy and romance, community building, and authenticity in storytelling. Trigger warning: infant loss.
57 min -
The Secret Technique Top Voice Actors Use to Distinguish Characters
Fraser and Kate
Fraser and Kate discuss their experiences in audiobook narration, the challenges of parenting, and the intricacies of storytelling, including a romance novel exploring betrayal and self-discovery.
52 min -
How Psychological Thrillers Keep Readers Blindsided and Addicted
Megan and Willow
Willow and Megan dive deep into their favorite authors, genres, and the emotional impact of books. They explore the nuances of psychological thrillers, the importance of trigger warnings, and connecting with authors through social media.
59 min -
How a Queer Romance Bookstore in Pittsburgh Is Breaking Norms
Tiffany of Shelf Love Society
Willow welcomes Tiffany, the founder of the Shelf Love Society, Pittsburgh's first romance-only bookstore. Tiffany shares how she established a space dedicated to romance literature, particularly queer romance.
59 min -
How a Hobby Inspired a Mom to Build a Thriving Indie Bookstore From Scratch
Bailey of The Crafty Bookstore
Willow interviews Bailey from The Crafty Bookstore, an independent online bookstore focused on indie authors. Bailey shares how she started the store and what it offers, including custom book boxes and author services.
51 min -
The Hidden Power of Safe Words and Negotiation in BDSM Etiquette
Michael and Alli of Herogasm
Willow interviews Michael and Alli, the organizers of Herogasm, a kink event in Idaho. They discuss the origins of the event and the importance of community, safety, consent, and aftercare.
1 hr 6 min -
Authenticity, Branding, and the Art of Narration
Avonlea Eller
Willow and Avonlea Eller dive into the world of audiobook narration, exploring authenticity, personal branding, and the creative process behind storytelling.
1 hr 6 min -
Writing, Motherhood, and Open Communication
Marissa Durham
Marissa shares her journey as a writer and mother, the challenges of parenting teenagers, her writing process, character inspirations, and the themes of love and relationships in her books.
1 hr 6 min -
Bleeding Hearts and the Emotional Depth of Writing
K.iller
Willow and K.iller discuss the intricacies of writing, mental health themes, character development, the importance of trigger warnings, and the impact of personal experience on storytelling.
53 min -
Music, Memory, and A Billionaire's Christmas
Athena Lightwood
Author Athena Lightwood discusses the inspiration behind her book and her musical influences, particularly her admiration for Ed Sheeran, and how music and personal experience shape her writing.
24 min -
Characters, Reader Reactions, and a New Trilogy
Alana Dail
Alana Dail discusses her writing journey, the emotional depth of her characters, the mental health themes in her work, the impact of reader reactions, and her plans for a new trilogy and merchandise.
50 min -
Healing, Trauma, and Poetry
Corina Deiters
Willow and Corina Deiters discuss the themes of healing and trauma in Corina's poetry book, the creative process behind it, the impact of social media on healing, and the importance of community support.
1 hr 3 min -
From Reader to Published Author
Ginger Moon
Ginger Moon shares her journey from reader to published author, the importance of community support, co-authorship with Ivy Graves, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the representation of witchcraft in literature.
1 hr 33 min -
The Scars of War and the Indie Publishing Road
CeCe Wylder
Willow sits down with author CeCe Wylder to discuss her book, the creative process behind the series, the challenges of indie publishing, and the inspiration drawn from her personal journey.
1 hr 9 min -
Fractured Mirror and the Darker Side of Fiction
Ivy Graves
Ivy Graves discusses the darker themes in her writing, the importance of trigger warnings, the exploration of mental health, and the development of complex characters.
54 min -
Dear Pia and Stories That Blend Reality With Fiction
Ada S. Blunt
Willow talks with indie author Ada S. Blunt about the inspiration behind her latest book and the emotional rollercoaster of writing stories that blend reality with fiction.
1 hr 6 min -
The Secrets Behind a Prolific Writing Career
Mila Crawford
Mila Crawford talks about her prolific writing career, which spans more than 114 books.
1 hr 8 min -
Debut Dark Romance: Vows of Vengence
Alana Dail
Willow talks with debut author Alana Dail about her upcoming dark romance novel.
1 hr 6 min -
Blessed Three and the Power of Found Family
Richie Rivera
Willow and Richie Rivera discuss the inspiration and themes behind his book series, including found family, the integration of action and character development, and the emotional depth of the narrative.
59 min -
Building a New Vampire Mythology
Jeffrey Yorio
Jeffrey Yorio discusses the inspiration behind his vampire-themed book, the mythology he created, the cultural aspects of his vampire world, and the joy of reading and writing.
57 min -
Sweet Hunger and the Psychological Thriller
Michael Bailey
Michael Bailey discusses his book, exploring empowerment, character development, the psychological thriller genre, and the significance of music in his storytelling.
52 min -
Siren and the Heart of Found Family
Isla
Isla shares her journey of writing her book, the inspiration behind her characters, and themes of found family, moral dilemmas, and the challenges faced by indie authors.
1 hr 4 min -
Watch Me Burn: Obsession and Salvation
Jace Nutter
Jace Nutter discusses his dark romance about obsession and salvation, his writing process, and the challenges he faced as a first-time author, including imposter syndrome and shipping delays.
34 min -
Into Unsteady Waters
G.M Flores
Indie author G.M Flores takes listeners into her world and the characters and plot twists of her book.
1 hr 0 min -
Dark Restart and a First Release
Pandora K. Spencer
Willow talks with Pandora K. Spencer about her first release and the book that follows it, covering fantasy, dark romance, and why choose.
56 min